I want a raise

“Those who do no more than they are paid for have no real basis for requesting more pay because they are already getting all they deserve to earn.”

If you look around you, it will be apparent that there are two types of people in the world: There are those who say, “When this company decides to pay me what I’m worth, then I will do what they want me to do.” The second is the person who says, “I’m going to be the best I can be because that’s the kind of person I am. I also know that if I consistently give more than expected, I will eventually be rewarded for my efforts.” It is easy to see that the positive person contributes most to the organization. Yet, very few people are willing to make the sacrifices necessary to achieve success. Make sure you’re a member of that group.

I know this may seem like a tough concept but the principle is pretty simple. If you stand in front of the wood-stove of life and say, “Give me some heat, and then I’ll put some wood in” you’re going to experience a long, cold winter. In real life, work is required before compensation is given.

Expecting a guaranteed salary with benefits before proving your worth is an antiquated model. Be willing to prove your value with no guarantee – it will dramatically expand your opportunities.

Expecting a raise because you’ve been there one more year is an antiquated model. In today’s workplace you get a raise when you add more value.

Expecting a raise because your personal expenses have gone up is an antiquated model. Your personal obligations have nothing to do with your compensation.

Be clear on your value to an organization — and then negotiate a fair exchange.

14 Responses to “I want a raise”

Yes, all true and I worked based upon this very model and did very well at the job I had until the company was sold and all my hard work and positive attitude that provided value to the company was eliminated on a cost cutting measure. Agreed I was payed well while I was employed and that is all that can be expected……moving on into new pastures to start the process again….. a bit unnerving at times.

I strongly agree, in principle. My caveat is that very few organizations can measure contribution and performance. Therefore, most managers relegate to the annual review and annual raise. This cycle is perpetuated by good people leaving and poor people staying, further diminishing the culture and work ethic.

I like the free agent model where you value to job to be done. I think that is the ony way to be fairly rewarded in the new economy.

Well said!! A payment system that rewards value to the company always makes the most sense to me. There are plenty of “clock punchers” out there but the real contributers are those adding value–working effectively towards the goals–outcome oriented, not time-clock oriented.

I agree! I had a job where I was always on the lookout for ways to make things work better. And then I tried to do those things. I didn’t have time to implement all of them, but the more my boss saw and liked, the more I was trusted to use my own judgment (more self-directed work, which is always more fun).

Also, when I went to ask for a raise, I told my boss the changes I had made and the impact they had on the bottom line. In a word, got a nice raise. If I weren’t working hard trying to make the place better, I never would have lasted there as long as I did. Nor would I have had as much fun or learned as much.

Also, if you never take on more responsibility, you’re still doing the exact same thing you were hired for at the rate you agreed to when you signed the contract… you’re not providing more bang for the buck, so you shouldn’t get more bucks for the same bang.

In the minimum wage world, productivity usually sets a cap but not a floor on compensation – employees are not paid more than the value they add, but adding superior value does not necessarily get one a raise.

Some minimum wage employers in markets with excess qualified labor (e.g. college towns) do not give raises because they see no competitive need to do so. Why pay more for labor when workers are a dime a dozen? Many corporate low-wage employers (e.g. fast food) have cost restrictions which mitigate against raises, or explicit policies which limit raises.

The lie that I”ve observe that most people belive exist (buy the way the definition of a lie is something that doesn”t exsit) is this:performance +pepole’s opioins = self-worth.This is a false sence of security,There is only one true form of security and that is, being fully aware of who you are and knowing the god given skills and abillies you posses to produce.Knowing this about myself helps me to be accountable and resposible for who to work for or not work for.No promises in life only opportunites

This article could not have come at a better time. In the past I have been asked many of times to take on more responsiblity which I did not mind at the time with no more pay. I accepted and did what was asked. Recently, I have been told of the more responsabilities to do more work again. When is a good time to ask for more money? It seems to me that I am doing something good for the company or they would have terminated my position with the firm.

That is so true. I’ve been working at throwing logs into the fire for quite some time and am now just seeing the results. It’s so rewarding to know that something I did a few years ago is finally coming to fruition. It’s the sowing and reaping principle. I’m trying to so as much seed as I can now, so I can reap a harvest in the future.

Thanks for the encouragement through your podcast, newsletter and 48days.net website.

Dear Dan,
I disagree with your assessment that you will be paid according to how you have performed at your job. I recently ruminated over many cost saving and machine redesign projects I completed over the years while working in manufacturing. I consistently performed at a high level but never seemed to get more than average wages for my above average efforts and results. I have even had fellow workers who I trained & often assisted with problems get paid more because “they have families”. I have been soured by the business man with the 2 million dollar home and a yacht telling me he cannot afford to pay me any more.